WHAT REMEDY PRESCRIPTION FOR ASUU? The Basis of my Thesis. By M K Ilyasu
WHAT REMEDY PRESCRIPTION FOR ASUU? The Basis of my Thesis.
By M K Ilyasu
From the enquiries and some notable observations, I am drawn to state that the thesis of my earlier narrative titled “The Path Forward for Nigerian Universities: ASUU and Time For New Approach”, published by Ebony Herald Online @ https//ebonyheraldonlinenews.com.ng on the 1st of September 2025, is simply to open up discussion to find remedial measures for ASUU’s sustainability.
We begin by asking what is the assigned function of the ASUU?
Google provides that ASUU (the Academic Staff Union of Universities) is a Nigerian union that advocates for the interests of university academic staff, particularly concerning adequate funding, improved salaries, and academic freedom within the Nigerian university system.
But what profoundly is disturbing is the way ASUU remained seized with issues which in all honesty is National in scope but patently Universal. There are ways that can ameliorate her concerns, since her Vision and Mission are all about making University veritable and competent.
Where lies the heart of our University Education?
An undergraduate degree from the most prestigious University in Nigeria is, as evidence of educational achievement, NOW is being considered worthless. This is the observation made in some narratives. It could be propaganda, but the consistent attitude of ASUU and the attendant strikes lends credence to such claims. It is said that the hardest thing anyone does on our campuses as an undergraduate is to get admitted. This is because of so many obstacles. It is either JAMB orWAEC/NECO result is withheld by the issuing authorities.
Unfortunately our Universities are no longer able to offer free admission as was the case in the 60s and 70s.. They no longer enjoyed the autonomy. This therefore limit their authority on admission. This is also a widely recognized fact in other field of endeavor.
Companies are no longer hiring our graduates because they lack the required aptitude. Indeed, you may have exception with some local giants like Dangote, but that’s one in a million. It wasn’t as robust as it were in the 1960s and 1970s when Govt and multinationals were recruiting directly from Universities. So, what went wrong? Could it be because of disturbing academic calendar?
It is also shameful that considering the number of alumni who served in govt and private industries, their Alma Mata can hardly secure research grants. Could that be attributed indifference on the part of our elite class?
Part of the problem is also the absence of willingness to create windows for Executive Programs. Business schools can establish executive program for both senior, middle and junior Management cadres through simulation and online classes. This will generate funds and provide the much desired manpower to industries.
There should also be a need to invite Mega rich to set up chairs dedicated to areas of academic interest. R and D does not start from nothing. Faculties should charge themselves and galvanize to see it through.
Degrees from those foreign institutions once considered mediocre are now respected. This is true of a degree from the top schools in China, which remain significantly meritocratic, where judging students by their grades has real value.
What has become of our Universities? Talk to any faculty member, you’ll come to realize that quarter plays significant role in admission. Students with questionable credentials are gaining admission. This becomes possible because of the proliferation of miracle centers where a candidate does not have to write WAEC and NECO exam, but will ultimately be granted certificate of his choice. Majority of our high schools are involved in this catastrophe. It is the system that encourages this malady where minimum of 5 credits are insisted including Math and English as core requirements.
To make a finer point, receiving a degree from a University is a strong indicator of socio-economic class, of having done well in high school, and of a willingness to tolerate years of progressive indoctrination. My daughters spent six years for a four year Bachelor degree program. All this is because of ASSU strike. Why couldn’t the Universities arrange online classes as a way of mitigating our children’s anxiety ?
It’s because of my willingness to pay approximately the cost of a hostel, plus four years of opportunity cost, to ensure that they were engaged in high-grade social networking and prestige signaling, both of which, to be sure, can be beneficial to them. Has the end justifies the wahala involved?
It must be recalled and be reminded of ASUU that for sometimes, the Federal Govt has been hammering that huge infrastructural deficit is greatly constraining economic growth and development, inhibiting the ability to improve the quality of life as envisaged in her programs.
What this portends is thus:
1. Universities should develop and issue guidelines, policies, process and procedures to their development.
2. Work closely with ASUU to identify potential areas of sourcing support for R and D.
3. Use Faculties to act as the interface to promote policies and programs for investment
4. Collaborate with Govt to promote an orderly and harmonized framework for your development.
5. Source investors and ensure that concessions commensurate with your operative Act.
Finally, if after decades of existence, Nigerian Universities still cannot solve their financial challenges and move forward, then the caliber of its Board is questionable. Needless to mention, our Universities could then be concession to be fully or partly managed by private sector for maximum utilization of assets for the benefit of all users under an agreement by providing opportunities for international and local investors and contractors to encourage efficiency, innovation and flexibility at minimum cost.
Mallam Mohammed Kabir Ilyasu a public affairs commentator, author and retired foreign affairs officer write from Kaduna Nigeria 2nd September 2025
